Global industry association to hold inaugural SEMICON in Penang

AvantiKumar |
March 4, 2015

SEMICON's first Southeast Asia event at Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) in Penang, Malaysia, will be larger and more comprehensive than SEMICON Singapore, said SEMI Southeast Asia President Ng Kai Fai.

Photo - Ng Kai Fai, President of SEMI Southeast Asia.

Global industry association Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) has chosen the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) in Penang, Malaysia, to hold its inaugural regional event from 22-24 April 2015.

Ng Kai Fai, SEMI Southeast Asia president, said the event, which will be larger than the annual SEMICON Singapore event, and will foster regional opportunities in a RM66.5 billion (US$19 billion) the semiconductor and microelectronics sector during the next two years.

"Southeast Asia is a significant and exciting market for the semiconductor industry," said Ng. "In fact, the region contributes a substantial 27 percent of global assembly, test and production, on top of being the largest market for assembly and test equipment."

"SEMICON Southeast Asia is a natural progression from its earlier SEMICON Singapore exhibition [held annually since 1993], and actively unites industry participants throughout the region," he said. "In addition to offering a deep networking opportunity for industry stakeholders, the event is also a catalyst for industry players within the region to collaborate and innovate to become larger players in this industry sector. This year, we expect about 60 industry speakers and close to 200 companies to participate in SEMICON Southeast Asia."

Ng said the expanded strategy for the new SEMICON Southeast Asia Show - between Singapore, Malaysia and "potentially the rest of the regions - will open new business opportunities for customers and foster stronger cross-regional engagement, according to SEMI, the event organiser. SEMICON Southeast Asia will feature a tradeshow exhibition, networking events, market and technology seminars, and conferences."

He said the event will connect decision makers from leading and emerging semiconductor companies with important industry stakeholders from both the region and all over the world.

Penang was selected for the inaugural SEMICON Southeast Asia exhibition because of its reputation as the "Silicon Valley of the East" and Malaysia's vibrant eco-system, coupled with the drive and support from the state government, added Ng.

IoT included on agenda

The event will also include expanding applications markets like mobile devices and other connected Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, many of which require development of specialised materials, packaging, and test technologies, as well as new architectures and processes, he said.

Ng added that for 2015 and 2016, SEMI estimated spending of almost US$5 billion on front-end and back-end equipment in the Southeast Asia region, and another US$14 billion in spending on materials including US$11 billion on packaging-related materials.

In addition, according to the SEMI World Fab Forecast, Southeast Asia is home to more than 35 production fabs covering Foundry, Compound Semiconductors, MEMS, Power, LED, and other devices, he said.

Zulkefli Haji Sharif, chief executive officer of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, said: "We are delighted to be able to host SEMICON Southeast Asia here in 2015. This prestigious event will showcase the best of the semiconductor industry and attendees can expect to find out more about the latest developments in microelectronics field. We have the utmost confidence that Penang will live up to all expectations as an attractive business events destination, and that the event will be a benefit to local and global players alike."

Established 1970, more than 1,900 member companies are part of SEMI, which has offices in Bangalore, Beijing, Berlin, Brussels, Grenoble, Hsinchu, Moscow, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit semiconsea.org